PITTSBURGH -- Giants manager Bruce Bochy expressed his belief in third baseman Matt Duffy's importance to the club without explicitly saying so.
Bochy's lofty opinion of Duffy came through Tuesday when it was pointed out that Duffy, who'll be sidelined for at least two weeks, could be idled for up to three weeks, which would lead into the All-Star break. Thus, it was suggested to Bochy that Duffy, who officially went on the disabled list Tuesday with a strained left Achilles, might as well remain inactive through the July 11-13 All-Star break.
However, Bochy indicated he wants Duffy, an integral part of San Francisco's lineup, back as soon as possible. The chance of Duffy's reinstatement from the disabled list three to four days before the All-Star break also was mentioned to Bochy, who plainly stated which scenario he preferred.
"If he's ready, I'll take the three or four days," Bochy said.
Bochy confirmed Conor Gillaspie will become the Giants' primary third baseman ahead of Ramiro Pena while Duffy recovers. Gillaspie hit .265 with 20 home runs and 97 RBIs in 264 games as the primary third baseman for the White Sox in 2013-14.
• The Giants recalled outfielder Mac Williamson to fill Duffy's vacated spot on the active roster. Bochy affirmed the right-handed-batting Williamson will start the final two games in this series against a pair of Pirates left-handed starters, Francisco Liriano on Wednesday and Jonathon Niese on Thursday. This is Williamson's fourth stint with the Giants this season.